House of Commons Hansard #70 of the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was budget.

Topics

Budget Implementation Act, 2006, No. 2Government Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Maria Minna Liberal Beaches—East York, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to speak against the government's Bill C-28. I do this because it is part of the budget of 2006, which we on this side of the House are completely against.

Although there are provisions in the bill that we do support, as they are Liberal proposals from our budget in 2005, we do not support the agenda of the minority Conservative government at this time. Speaking of its agenda, it is important to note that, as we campaigned on, the Conservatives are showing their true right wing hidden agenda now that they are in government.

When the Conservatives introduced the budget, they announced massive spending cuts within it, even though they were handed a $13 billion surplus from previous Liberal governments. Why would they do such a thing when we have so much richness in this country that was left to them by our government? They did it because they had to appease their ideological, right wing Conservative base.

What did the Conservatives do with those cuts and where did they cut? They eliminated the early learning and child care program agreement across this country. It seems that the signature of the Crown means absolutely nothing. The fact that the Government of Canada and the provinces signed an agreement means nothing. By the way, that also happened with the Kelowna accord. Everybody had signed the agreement but again those signatures meant nothing.

I will not go through all the draconian cuts to Status of Women Canada of $5 million, plus changing all the criteria, which means that equality seeking groups can no longer get funding. Justice seeking groups can no longer get funding. It seems that the minister responsible for Status of Women said that women were equal in this country anyway because it says so in the charter. The fact that we need programs and advocacy organizations to ensure that actually happens means nothing to them.

They made cuts to the literacy program. I do not know what the Conservatives have against people learning to read and write in order to improve their skills so they can get better jobs. Productivity in this country is a major issue. The government says that it is interested in productivity and yet it is cutting literacy education which is where it is most needed.

Cuts to affordable housing affect the most vulnerable in our society but the Conservatives do not care. They have their narrow voter base to support and that is as far as they will go. They pick and choose income tax measures that satisfy the minority voters who support the Conservative Party. They believe it does not matter if it is bad for the economy as long as it helps them to get a majority government. Even their own right wing think tank has said to them that cutting the GST is a bad move because it does nothing to increase productivity in this country, but they did it anyway.

The NDP is no better. It used its own agenda to force an election and now it must deal with the consequences of a Conservative government.

Budget Implementation Act, 2006, No. 2Government Orders

2 p.m.

Conservative

The Acting Speaker Conservative Royal Galipeau

It is with regret that I interrupt the member but we will now go to statements by members. When we return to the study of Bill C-28, there will be sixteen and a half minutes left in her time.

Durham Regional PoliceStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Colin Carrie Conservative Oshawa, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to the officers of the Durham Regional Police Service who were honoured at the fourth annual Police Appreciation Night. These individuals were singled out for their acts of heroism, quick thinking and bravery, acts that provided greater safety and security to the people of Oshawa and Durham region.

Our police service is one of the finest police services in Canada, which is why it is such a privilege to personally congratulate A Platoon, Communications/911 Unit: Constables Rick Flynn, Todd Petzold and Michel Roy; Sergeant Gil Hughes; and Detectives Teresa Hutchinson and David Brown.

All the officers of Durham region should know that Canada's new government and I stand firmly behind each of them. We will continue to bring in legislation that puts victims and their families first and protects law-abiding Canadians from violent criminals and dangerous offenders.

Canada's new government will at last stand up for our communities and protect our streets.

Again, I want to congratulate each officer recognized and thank them for making the Durham region safer for all of us.

Joshua James KlukieStatements By Members

October 26th, 2006 / 2 p.m.

Liberal

Joe Comuzzi Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

Mr. Speaker, Joshua James Klukie was born February 16, 1983. His proud parents were Carol and Reg Klukie. He had two older brothers, David and Daniel. Unfortunately, Josh's father, Reg, died in August 1999. His mother did a remarkable job raising those three children.

Josh attended public school in Thunder Bay and Hillcrest High School. He trained and graduated as a paramedic.

Josh then joined the Canadian Forces and was stationed in Petawawa. In August 2006, Josh and his unit were deployed to Afghanistan. Josh was killed in action on September 29 of this year.

His friends in Thunder Bay will always remember him as an exceptional student, a great athlete, a good friend and a devoted son and brother to his family and to his extended family. He was a proud and dedicated soldier.

Members of the family particularly want to remember in their prayers the remaining forces who continue to serve Canada in Afghanistan.

I am sure every member of this House is proud of this fine young Canadian.

HomelessnessStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Pauline Picard Bloc Drummond, QC

Mr. Speaker, homeless people are being excluded more and more from public spaces. Too often, they are treated like second-class citizens. So said the organizers of La Nuit des sans-abri, an event held in Drummondville on October 20.

The gathering was held to raise awareness about the realities people deal with when they struggle with homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. It was an invitation to share and to promote social solidarity with the poor in our communities.

The theme of the event, “Personne n'est à l'abri”, was a reminder that no one is safe from homelessness. Any one of us could lose our job or our home, go through a bad break-up, or fall victim to illness, alcoholism or gambling addiction. In short, any person can go through really hard times and end up homeless or very poor.

The Bloc Québécois is asking the Conservative government to fight poverty and renew funding for homelessness.

Offshore Tax HavensStatements By Members

2 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, tax motivated expatriation is the polite way of putting it when tax fugitives hide their earnings offshore in tax havens to avoid paying Canadian taxes. We call it something different. We call it a sleazy, tax cheating loophole, and we want it stopped.

The NDP is furious that Canadian companies are allowed to set up dummy companies offshore in Barbados and avoid paying their fair share of Canadian taxes.

If the government will not plug this outrageous tax loophole, at the very least it should stop allowing these tax fugitive companies to bid on Canadian government contracts. At the very least, these companies should be blacklisted as the traitors and economic treason perpetrators that they are. They should not be allowed to bid on Canadian government contracts until they repatriate their companies and pay their fair share of taxes in Canada.

These companies should be proud to pay their taxes in this country. We can all think back to the not too distant past when the prime minister of this country was exploiting one--

Offshore Tax HavensStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken

The hon. member for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex.

Josiah HensonStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bev Shipley Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to recognize a great man, Mr. Josiah Henson.

Born in Maryland, Mr. Josiah Henson worked as a slave for 41 years. In 1830, he and his family escaped to Ontario via the Underground Railroad.

After being employed for many years as a farmhand, Mr. Henson moved his family to Dresden in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex and championed the establishment of the Dawn Settlement, which today commemorates Uncle Tom's Cabin Museum.

This settlement was established to provide a refuge and a new beginning for former slaves. It was through Josiah's leadership that one of Canada's first industrial schools was founded. It is where fugitive slaves were educated, trained and prepared for their new life of freedom.

At least 30,000 slaves escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad. This was made possible by individuals like Josiah Henson. Let us never forget this man and others like him who stood against injustice and intolerance.

Garden City LandsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Raymond Chan Liberal Richmond, BC

Mr. Speaker, for over a decade I have advocated for the development of the Garden City lands in Richmond.

Last year an unprecedented three way agreement was signed. This deal could have addressed Richmond's need for affordable housing, a multicultural art centre and other community amenities.

Sadly, after intense lobbying by Conservatives and their allies, the Agricultural Land Commission rejected Richmond's multi-million dollar deal. The Conservatives now want to take back the land for possible military use.

This is ridiculous. Why would anyone think that using the Garden City lands in downtown Richmond for military use would be better than the creation of affordable housing, recreational facilities, green space, new jobs and $350 million in economic growth?

Chemistry DayStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Ken Epp Conservative Edmonton—Sherwood Park, AB

Mr. Speaker, I welcome the Canadian Chemical Producers' Association to Ottawa for its annual Chemistry Day. It represents 70 companies and $26 billion in annual sales.This sector knows how to reduce emissions.

While Kyoto calls for a 6% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2010, Canada's chemical producers will have achieved an incredible 56% reduction. By 2010 their production will have increased by 26%, which means that emissions reduction per unit of output will be a monumental 65% better than the Kyoto goals. They will do even more as new technologies come on stream.

Our new Conservative government policies will provide the foundation for this continued high performance industry to thrive in the spirit of the clean air act.

Carlo Jean-LouisStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Jean-Yves Roy Bloc Haute-Gaspésie—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC

Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to hear that Dr. Carlo Jean-Louis, a doctor in my riding, was awarded the prestigious Reg L. Perkin award for Quebec by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

The award recognizes his humanitarian leadership in his community. For example, Dr. Jean-Louis was the founding president of the Constellation des Monts soccer club, which was established to promote cardiovascular health, fight drug addiction and provide recreational activities for young people.

In addition to his roles as honorary chair of the Fondation de l'Hôpital des Monts and honorary chair and patron of an organization called “Rayon d'or”, Dr. Carlo Jean-Louis also defends the rights of new immigrants to Quebec.

In addition, Dr. Jean-Louis was recognized as a model of enthusiasm, kindness and tact, qualities shared by many family physicians.

Once again, congratulations to Dr. Jean-Louis.

World Stroke DayStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Rob Merrifield Conservative Yellowhead, AB

Mr. Speaker, today the World Stroke Congress announced October 26 as World Stroke Day. This day will serve to increase Canadians' awareness of the things they can do to reduce their risk of having a stroke. This includes maintaining a healthy blood pressure, avoiding tobacco use, eating a healthy balanced diet and being physically active.

Every year stroke kills over 15,000 Canadians, representing the third leading cause of death in Canada. Stroke knows no boundaries. It affects Canadians of all ages, ethnicity, as well as both men and women. To prevent stroke we need to increase public awareness of both its causes and symptoms.

Although World Stroke Day occurs only once a year, the fight against stroke must be fought every day all year long. It is encouraging that there is now a number of individuals and organizations that are working together on developing a Canadian stroke strategy and we wish them all the best in their vital work.

Juvenile DiabetesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Susan Kadis Liberal Thornhill, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canada has one of the highest rates of type 1 juvenile diabetes in the world and more than 200,000 people suffer from this disease, which develops in children and young adults.

Canada is a leader in diabetes research. Canada' s Dr. Banting and Dr. Best were the pioneers of the discovery of insulin in 1921.

We need to continue to build on our record of success with substantial and consistent research investment by the federal government. With efforts from thousands of Canadians, including Thornhill residents who support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and an even greater commitment from our government in research support, Canada could very well be the nation that actually delivers a cure for type 1 diabetes.

I applaud the work and efforts being done by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and urge all my colleagues in the House to attend the “Kids for a Made in Canada Cure” luncheon on Parliament Hill on October 31.

KashechewanStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Rod Bruinooge Conservative Winnipeg South, MB

Mr. Speaker, it is one year ago today that the community of Kashechewan was evacuated. Like all Canadians, the government finds the living conditions of the members of this community unacceptable.

That is why Canada's new government, rather than seeking a band-aid solution, addressed the root causes and approached this serious issue in a decisive manner.

Last June the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development appointed Mr. Alan Pope as a special federal representative. Mr. Pope has been working with all parties involved to come up with practical solutions that offer lasting benefits.

I am happy to tell the House that the drinking water advisory has been lifted in Kashechewan. We continue to work with the community to improve housing, and to maintain and repair community buildings such as the new police station that just opened last month.

Canada's new government will be coming forward with a plan to bring the people of Kashechewan the promising future that all Canadians deserve.

Ray JohnsonStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Wayne Marston NDP Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a profound sense of loss. One of Hamilton's premier community leaders, Ray Johnson, passed away this week.

Ray Johnson was a light in the Hamilton community, a man who rose from limited means to become an icon of humanness in a fast and furious world.

Over the years, as I worked with Ray, I was struck by how he always had time for anyone and everyone. He was on the leading edge of social activism, fighting poverty and fighting racism. He always did so with dignity and grace.

A devoted husband, father and community leader in the truest sense, Ray was honoured for his life's work and was named as Hamilton's Citizen of the Year just last year.

Ray Johnson has left a hole in the heart and fabric of Hamilton, but we will remember Ray Johnson and honour him by continuing his work.

ShippingStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

John Maloney Liberal Welland, ON

Mr. Speaker, the new regulations of the Canada Shipping Act do not apply to no-ballast-on-board transoceanic vessels. Many of these ships travel through the Great Lakes carrying a number of invasive species in the sediment and water in their ballast tanks. I have deep concerns that this poses a major threat to the environment and to the Great Lakes.

The new regulations of the Canada Shipping Act should require no-ballast-on-board vessels to undertake all measures to eliminate invasive species from their ballast water tanks prior to reaching our shore.

I propose mandatory regulations for such ships requiring them to conduct a saltwater flushing of the ballast tanks at least 200 nautical miles from Canadian waters.

The sustainability of our environment in the Great Lakes is at stake and this flaw in the regulations must not go unaddressed. I call on the government to stand up for the environment and to ensure that offshore ships travelling through our waters are compliant.

Supporting Communities Partnership InitiativeStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Christian Ouellet Bloc Brome—Missisquoi, QC

Mr. Speaker, last week, I met with groups that help the homeless in Magog, in my riding. They all agree that the plight of the homeless is worsening, not only in major centres, but in smaller cities as well.

The SCPI, which provides assistance for the homeless, will end on March 31, 2007, in 156 days. The minister in charge of this program has been in office for nine months now, and she still has not confirmed whether the program will be renewed. She remains deaf to the cries of the neediest members of our society.

How can the minister ask organizations that are helping thousands of people in need to plan all their services in less than five months? After nine months, she herself still cannot confirm whether the program will be renewed. She should enhance the SCPI and make it permanent, something the Bloc Québécois has long been calling for.

Status of WomenStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Table de concertation de Laval en condition féminine on the recent launch of its DVD, Lavalloises en marche, which depicts the dedication and solidarity of the hundreds of women from Laval who took part in the events around the World March of Women in 2005.

The mission of the Table de concertation de Laval en condition féminine is to collectively promote and defend women's rights. But by cutting Status of Women Canada's operating budget nearly in half, the government of the Prime Minister has demonstrated that women's rights are not among its priorities.

Since September 25, the Table de concertation en condition féminine and other women's organizations have been in shock. These groups are extremely worried and are wondering how much longer they will be able to meet women's needs.

How can this Conservative government remain indifferent to the struggle waged by hundreds of women across Canada every day?

Global Centre for PluralismStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Rahim Jaffer Conservative Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, last month I rose in the House to wish Muslims across Canada and around the world a successful Ramadan. With the conclusion of the holy month, Muslims are now celebrating Eid.

It is fitting that at a time when Muslims show thanks for God's blessing through works of charity, that our government announced a landmark partnership with His Highness the Aga Khan to establish the new Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.

Our government will conclude a lease agreement that will see the centre located at the Sussex Drive landmark that formerly housed the Canadian War Museum.

The centre will be a world class facility to promote pluralism internationally as a means to advance good governance and peace by supporting academic research and professional development in developing countries.

I would like thank His Highness the Aga Khan and the Prime Minister for their vision and dedication in realizing this exciting initiative. On behalf of Canada's new government, I wish all Muslims a joyful celebration of Eid. Eid Mubarek.

Government LegislationOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Toronto Centre Ontario

Liberal

Bill Graham LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, from the top of his ivory tower yesterday, the Prime Minister appeared truly insulted that the opposition is doing its job and opposing his flawed bills. However, Canadians gave 60% of the seats in this House to the opposition.

Something is wrong with this picture. Two years ago, the Prime Minister said that it is Parliament that must lead the country, not just the party in power and its leader.

If the Prime Minister wants to know why he is having problems with his legislative agenda, has he tried looking in the mirror?

Government LegislationOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Calgary Southeast Alberta

Conservative

Jason Kenney ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, let us be clear. Each party in this House made campaign promises indicating that it would adopt legislation to strengthen our criminal justice system. This is why we have introduced in this House eight bills, I believe, aimed at extending sentences for serious crimes. We would like all opposition parties to work with the government to keep their own campaign promises in this regard.

Government LegislationOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Toronto Centre Ontario

Liberal

Bill Graham LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, maybe the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister would urge his party to do a little governing. It would be good for this country.

Conservatives want to stall their own criminal law legislation, so they can blame the opposition.

The Liberal Party today engaged itself in the House to pass six laws this afternoon: protect our children from sexual predators, control outrageous interest rates on payday loans, ban street racing, strengthen the criminal DNA data bank, restrict conditional sentences, and update criminal procedure.

Will the government agree to our plan and pass those bills this afternoon, or is this all about its crass political partisanship of playing with the safety of our communities?

Government LegislationOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Calgary Southeast Alberta

Conservative

Jason Kenney ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we would be delighted to pass all of those bills in this place forthwith and in the Liberal controlled Senate tonight. However, we doubt that the Liberals are serious about this because Bill C-9, regarding conditional sentencing, was before the justice committee and the Liberals cooperated with the other soft on crime opposition parties to gut that bill.

I do not know what it is they do not understand about the desire of Canadians to get tough on violent crime. Conservatives want to act. We will cooperate with any party to do it right here, right now.

Government LegislationOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Toronto Centre Ontario

Liberal

Bill Graham LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, we will hold the government to that rhetoric.

While we are talking about Conservative senators in the other place, Conservative senators, not Liberal senators, have proposed 42 amendments of their own to the government's accountability act. Give us all a break. While this is going on, Conservative members of Parliament are filibustering in the industry and environment committees of the House. Talk about frustrating the will of Parliament.

Will the Prime Minister drop his pre-electoral posturing and start acting like a Prime Minister of a party that acts for all Canadians?

Government LegislationOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southeast Alberta

Conservative

Jason Kenney ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, that is precisely what this government and the Prime Minister are doing.

What Canadians demanded in the last election, and I know the Liberals still do not quite get this, was accountability. They wanted a change of culture in Ottawa.

We brought that forward in the most dramatic series of reforms ever proposed in the Parliament of Canada in the federal accountability act. The Liberals have held it up in the other place for over 100 days and are now reporting it back stripping out key provisions of that bill.

I want to know when the Liberals will cooperate with Canadians to bring accountability to government, when they delivered corruption?